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COMMUNITY REWARD PROGRAM ESTABLISHED FOR INFORMATION ON LAWSON HOMICIDE

The community reward program for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the April 15 homicide of David Josiah Lawson is now at $55,000. Community members have donated $26,000 to a fund held at the City and an additional $ 30,000 to a fund held by the family. Award eligibility requires that the information provided leads directly to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible. If more than one person provides identical information, the reward will be equally divided amongst those people.

“This is an open and ongoing case,” Chief Chapman recently confirmed. “We know that the confidential nature of criminal investigations can be frustrating, as it can seem as though no progress is being made. We are 100 percent committed to the investigation as are our allied agencies.”

Chapman also confirmed the California Department of Justice’s involvement in the case, stating that the DOJ is still providing forensic support. They are currently working on one particular piece of evidence. We understand that it should be completed in early 2018. Locally, the APD has partnered with the Humboldt County District Attorney and Sheriff’s offices, the Eureka Police Department and the Humboldt State University Police Department to review, evaluate and analyze the investigation. The City is also working with a retired FBI Investigator who is scheduled to complete his review of the case in November. “It’s not uncommon for agencies to take a look at an investigation from the outside, and looking at the investigative steps, make a determination if there is something more that can be done,” said Chapman.

Anyone with information regarding David Josiah Lawson’s homicide is urged to call the Arcata Police Department at (707) 822-2428 during normal business hours, or (707) 822-2424 after hours and on weekends.